Many users are faced with a situation where an intrusive news feed or an endless stream of recommendations appears on their Android smartphone, which cannot be removed with simple taps. This often happens after a system update or an accidental gesture that activates Google Discover or similar services from the device manufacturer.
Such interface elements can take up valuable space, consume Internet traffic and distract from main tasks. In this article we will look in detail at how to get rid of unnecessary widgets and news aggregators on various phone models.
The disabling process may vary significantly depending on the version of the operating system and the installed shell. We will look at universal methods, as well as specific settings for popular brands.
The nature of news feeds in the Android system
Before you start deleting, it is important to understand what exactly is bothering you on the screen. In most cases, “news” hides a service Google Discoverthat is part of the Google application, and not the Android system itself. However, manufacturers often integrate their own content aggregators.
For example, devices Xiaomi and Redmi often come pre-installed with the Mi AI assistant or a news feed from partners. While on Samsung it may be a panel Samsung Free or Google Discover depending on the sales region.
Understanding the source of the content is critical to choosing the right disconnection method. Sometimes it is enough to simply disable the switch in the desktop settings, and in other cases you will need to deeply configure system applications.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling system components through the developer menu or ADB may lead to unstable operation of the launcher. Use such methods only if the standard settings do not help.
Universal method through desktop settings
The simplest and safest method of hiding the news feed is to use the built-in desktop settings. This approach works on most devices with pure Android and lightweight skins.
You need to hold down an empty space on the main screen until the editing menu appears. In the list that opens, find the item responsible for additional screens or the left panel. The names may vary: “Additional screen”, “Google Discover”, “Widget feed”.
After finding the desired item, simply move the switch to the inactive position. The feed will disappear instantly, and swiping left will no longer open the news aggregator.
- 📱 Press and hold an empty area on the desktop.
- ⚙️ Select "Settings" or "Home Screen".
- 🚫 Find the "Google Discover" or "Feed" option news."
- ✅ Turn off the switch next to this option.
If you do not see such settings, it is possible that your launcher does not directly support changing them, or the manufacturer has blocked this function. In this case, proceed to the following sections of the article.
Specifics of shutdown on Samsung devices
Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy often complain to the panel Samsung Freethat opens when you swipe to the right. In the latest versions of the One UI shell, this element was renamed or replaced by Google Discover, but the control principle remained similar.
To access the settings, long-tap on an empty space on the main screen. Swipe right to see the leftmost panel. A switch should appear at the top of the screen.
Disabling this panel will not only remove the news, but will also return the standard swipe behavior, returning you to the first desktop. This is especially convenient for those who prefer minimalism.
⚠️ Attention: The One UI interface is updated regularly. If you don't find the switch right away, check the "Home Screen" section in the device's general settings.
In some cases, users may experience that the switch is missing. This may be due to regional restrictions or a specific telecom operator that has preinstalled its content.
Customizing the interface on Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones
The shell MIUI and new HyperOS from the company Xiaomi is known for its aggressive content policy. Here, news can be built directly into the "Security" application or into a separate "GetApps" application.
To disable the ribbon on the desktop, go to the desktop settings by long pressing on the screen. Look for the "More" or "Advanced" item, where the "Extensions" or "App Ribbon" setting is often hidden.
Disabling this feature will return the classic appearance of the application menu. However, if news continues to appear in notifications or other places, you will need to disable recommendations in system applications.
Settings → Passwords and security → Access to personal data → Disable for MSAThe process (MIUI System Ads) is responsible for many advertising and news integrations in the system. Disabling it will significantly clear the interface of excess noise. MSA (MIUI System Ads) is responsible for many advertising and news integrations in the system. Disabling it will significantly clear the interface of excess noise.
After disabling MSA, reboot your smartphone so that the changes take full effect and the news feed cache is cleared.
Managing Google widgets on Pixel and pure Android
On devices with "pure" Android, such as Google Pixel, Motorola or Nokia, the main source of news is the Google widget. It is often pinned to the home screen by default.
Deleting occurs in the standard way: hold the widget with your finger and drag it to the top of the screen, where the words “Delete” will appear. This action will not remove the Google application, but it will remove its visual representation from the desktop.
If you are worried about the feed Google Discover, which opens with a swipe, then the settings are located in the Google application itself. Open the application, click on the profile avatar and select "Settings".
| Interface element | Disable method | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Google Widget | Long press → Delete | Low |
| Discover Feed | Google Application Settings | Medium |
| Samsung Free Panel | Desktop Settings table | Low |
| MIUI Ribbon | Settings → Extensions | High |
In the "Settings" section, find the "Discover" or "General" item and disable display of the feed. This action will hide the endless stream of news cards.
Deep cleaning through application settings
Sometimes simply hiding the widget is not enough, as background processes continue to collect data and load content. In such cases, you need to touch the settings of the aggregator application itself.
Go to the section Settings → Applications → All applications. Find the Google app in the list. Go to the "Notifications" section and turn off all categories related to recommendations and news.
It is also worth checking the application permissions. Restricting access to a location or contacts can reduce the relevance of suggested content, making the feed less interesting and intrusive.
What to do if the settings are reset?
If the settings return to their original values after a reboot, your device may have an activated management profile (MDM) or have installed malware masquerading as system utilities. Check the list of device administrators.
For advanced users, it is possible to disable the component through the developer menu, but this requires caution. An error may lead to a cyclic reboot of the launcher.
Alternative launchers as a radical solution
If the built-in system tools do not allow you to completely get rid of news feeds, the best solution would be to install a third-party launcher. These are apps that completely replace the standard desktop.
Popular solutions, such as Nova Launcher, Lawnchair or Microsoft Launchergive the user full control over the interface. They do not have pre-installed news feeds unless you add them yourself.
Installing an alternative launcher requires granting usage rights by default. After this, the old interface will be replaced with a new, clean and fast one.
- 🚀 Complete freedom to customize icons and grid.
- 🛡️ No built-in advertising and news.
- ⚡ Often higher performance compared to stock launchers.
It is worth considering that some manufacturers, for example Huawei or new models Xiaomi, may limit the ability to change the launcher or force a return to the standard interface at certain intervals.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a third-party launcher, widgets from the manufacturer (camera, voice recorder, specific settings) may stop working or be displayed incorrectly.
☑️ Preparing to change the launcher
A third-party launcher is the only way to ensure that news is removed on devices with tightly integrated system feeds that cannot be disabled normally.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the Google application to remove news?
Complete removal of the Google system application is impossible without obtaining root access, which voids the warranty and may disrupt the operation of other services. However, you can disable its updates or hide the icon, but this is not recommended for ordinary users.
Why do news appear again after a system update?
Major updates to Android or the manufacturer's shell often reset the launcher settings to factory settings. You will have to go through the procedure of disabling the feed again in the desktop settings.
Does disabling news affect the speed of the phone?
Yes, disabling background loading of the news feed Google Discover or analogues can slightly increase battery life and free up RAM, since the constant network request stops.
How to remove news on an Android tablet?
The principle is identical to smartphones. You need to pinch an empty space on the tablet's desktop and find the panel settings. On large screens, news often takes up a separate column that can be hidden.